Rediscovering the Magic of Self-Publishing
When I first embarked on my writing journey, I started as a self-published author. Like many writers entering the scene, I had big dreams and a manuscript I believed in with all my heart. I wore all the hats: writer, editor (to the best of my ability), cover designer (with a lot of trial and error), marketer, and everything else in between. It was exhilarating, exhausting, and often involved Googling things at 2 a.m. while muttering, “How hard can this really be?” (Spoiler: pretty hard). I learned so much, not just about writing but about what it truly takes to bring a book into the hands of readers.
Later, I was fortunate enough to sign with a traditional publisher. Over the course of three books, I experienced the other side of the industry. My publisher handled many of the tasks I once had to juggle alone: professional editing, cover design, distribution, and much of the marketing. It felt a bit like getting upgraded from economy to first class—everything was smoother, and there were actual snacks. The experience was invaluable, and I’m deeply grateful for the team of professionals who helped shape those books into something I’m incredibly proud of.
But now, I’ve come full circle, getting ready to publish my newest suspense novel, The Skiers, on March 13, 2025. And let me tell you, there’s something uniquely rewarding about taking the reins of your own book project. Don’t get me wrong—both traditional and self-publishing have their pros and cons, and I wouldn’t trade my experiences in either realm. But self-publishing hits differently. There’s an unparalleled sense of ownership and accomplishment that comes with doing it all yourself.
When you self-publish, you’re not just the author. You’re the CEO of your own publishing company. You’re making decisions about cover art, formatting, marketing strategies, and distribution channels. You’re investing your own money and deciding how to allocate your budget. You’re figuring out how to connect directly with readers, whether that’s through social media, email newsletters, or just yelling about your book to anyone who will listen. It’s a lot to juggle, but it’s also incredibly empowering.
There’s a steep learning curve, but that’s part of the magic. Every challenge you overcome feels like a victory. When you see your book go live, knowing that you made every decision along the way, it’s a feeling unlike any other. You didn’t just write the book—you brought it to life, start to finish. You’ve poured your heart and soul into every aspect of the process. It’s not just a story you created; it’s a business you’ve built.
All that said, self-publishing isn’t for the faint of heart. It requires resilience, resourcefulness, and a willingness to laugh (and sometimes cry) at your own mistakes. You have to be okay with wearing many hats and sometimes making mistakes along the way. But for those of us who thrive on creative control and love the challenge, it’s worth every bit of effort. Returning to self-publishing feels a bit like coming home—if home came with endless to-do lists and a tendency to argue with Photoshop. It’s where I started, and it’s where I’ve rediscovered the joy of creating something entirely on my own terms.
Readers often ask me which of my books is my favorite, and I always reply, “That’s like asking me to pick my favorite child!” (Though, ask me on a certain day, and I’ll have one). I love all of my books, but the truth is, my self-pub books will always hold a special place in my heart.
I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to do both trad publishing and indie publishing going forward. For authors out there deciding which path to take, my advice is this: embrace the journey, wherever it takes you. Traditional publishing offers teamwork, resources, and reach. Self-publishing offers independence, creative control, and the chance to build something entirely your own. Neither is better or worse; they’re simply different. And having experienced both, I can say this with confidence: there’s room for every kind of storyteller in this industry. Choose the path that speaks to you, and don’t be afraid to pivot when the time feels right.
As for me, I’ll continue to write and publish in whatever way feels true to my stories. Because at the end of the day, it’s all about sharing those stories with readers. And honestly, isn’t that what makes this whole crazy, wonderful writing life worth it?